First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, and Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine. Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, wasn’t fully motivated at LIV, having joined mainly to secure retirement funds amid injury concerns. Speculations remain about whether he paid a buyout or retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch. Questions arise on where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he’d have immediate eligibility possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension was reduced from a lifetime ban. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership. The suspension would end in August 2026, aligning with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule for 2027, a perfect time for Koepka’s comeback. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return, likely focusing on preferred major events. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, influenced by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may allow Koepka’s immediate return. Update: Koepka regained PGA Tour eligibility as of Monday evening and will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open. This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent merits including his 2023 PGA Championship win. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a unique opportunity expiring February 2, signaling no precedent for the future. Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million charity donation and exclusions from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses and the PGA Tour Enterprises capital program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his 2026 LIV Golf League participation with his Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri. No general contract extension was announced, fueling speculation.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Vijay Singh, three-time major champion from Fiji, returns to the PGA Tour using a career money list exemption, playing this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh previously played on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles.
Tomorrow’s Golf League Struggles Without Woods
Ratings for TGL’s second season opener on ABC dropped sharply to 646,000 viewers without Tiger Woods, compared to 919,000 for season one’s debut. The second match drew only 354,000 viewers. The league faces challenges maintaining momentum without Woods as star attraction.
Charley Hull to Launch YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube success, Charley Hull announced plans for her own channel debuting this summer, aiming to engage fans with content titled \”The Sweet Spot.\” Hull revealed this on \”The Lads\” channel with Jason Day.